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Robert Anderson appointed District Lead Volunteer for Braid

Robert Anderson appointed District Lead Volunteer for Braid

Picture of Martin Elliot

Martin Elliot

Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland

I am very pleased to let you know that I have appointed Robert Anderson as the new Lead Volunteer for Braid District. Robert will take over from Judith Wood on 1st September.
 
In his new role, Robert will be responsible for providing leadership to the District’s Leadership Team, including its Group Lead Volunteers, and provide strategic leadership to Scouting in the District.
 
Robert currently leads the Cub Section team at the 7th Braid Group based at George Heriot’s School. In his Scouting journey Robert has held a variety of roles including Assistant District Commissioner for Cubs in Blackford District, International Adviser for the Region and SHQ Commissioner for Cubs.
 
I am delighted that Robert has agreed to take on this new role and am confident that his enthusiasm and dedication will ensure that young people and adult volunteers in Braid District continue to enjoy the opportunities that Scouting offers and I look forward to working with him to support and develop Scouting in the district.
 
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Judith for the huge amount of work that she has done as Lead Volunteer, leading the district over the last 6 years, steering the district confidently through some challenging times. I would also like to thank her for the invaluable support and advice that she has offered me and I am pleased that she is staying involved in Scouting in the District.
 
I hope that you will join me in congratulating Robert on his new role and thanking Judith for her leadership as she steps down.
Beaver Scout’s Remarkable Journey of Achievement and Royal Recognition

Beaver Scout’s Remarkable Journey of Achievement and Royal Recognition

George Beattie, a dynamic Eight-year-old member of the 44th Braid Scout Group in Edinburgh, has set a new standard of excellence in Scouting. Demonstrating extraordinary dedication and enthusiasm, George has not only earned every badge available during his time as a Beaver Scout but has also been honoured with a Commendation Award for his remarkable achievements.

A Record-Breaking Beaver Scout Journey

George’s journey in the Scouts is nothing short of inspirational. During his time as a Beaver, he earned all 24 Activity Badges, including ‘Emergancy Aid’, ‘Disability Awareness’, ‘Global Issues’, and ‘Money Skills’. In addition to these, he also achieved 15 staged activity badges such as ‘Air Activities’, ‘Community Impact’, ‘Navigator’, ‘Paddle Sports’, and ‘Nights Away’, along with the Thistle Award, which focuses on Scotland, its people, and culture. His accomplishments culminated in the attainment of the Chief Scouts Bronze Award, the highest honour for Beavers, after completing all six Challenge Badges.

George’s mother, Dianne, expressed her pride: “George absolutely loves Scouting and was an eager Beaver from the start. Following his brother William’s enthusiasm to participate in the weekly programme and work on badges at home, George also made himself very busy! We are fortunate to be part of such a hardworking and enthusiastic Scout group with dedicated leaders who encourage the development of skills and experiences.” The emphasis on developing Skills for Life has been a cornerstone of George’s success, equipping him with the knowledge and confidence to achieve his goals.

Dianne continued “The OSM system has been invaluable at facilitating badge work. George would often rushed home from a weekly meeting and log on to see which elements had been completed, often before the leader would have a chance to get home, let alone log on and populate OSM!”

TrailJam Adventure and Inspiring Others

Having been inspired by his big brother, William, who did extremely well in Cubs in his own right, obtaining all but one of the Cub badges, and is now enjoying being a Scout and developing new skills. George’s own enthusiasm for Scouting has also inspired others in his group to strive for similar achievements. Another young Beaver, Matthew Allan, has followed in George’s footsteps and completed all Beaver badges as well. This sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement was evident during the group’s Cramond Island Adventure as part of TrailJam 2024. The Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts enjoyed exploring the island and collected several large bags of litter from the beaches, showcasing their commitment to community service and the environment. These activities are designed to instil valuable Skills for Life, such as teamwork, leadership, and environmental stewardship.

Meeting Their Majesties

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, George was selected to represent South East Scotland Scouts at the Edinburgh900 event, celebrating 900 years of the city. During this prestigious event at Edinburgh Castle, George had the honour of meeting Their Majesties The King and Queen. According to Kieran Collins, South East Scotland Scouts Communications Lead, “George became one of the first, if not the first youth member of the Scout Association to be presented to HM The King since he became Patron of the Scouts in June this year. Nationally, we know of no others who have previously met the King in this capacity.”

While meeting their Majesties, George explained his recent achievements, which have been nothing short of remarkable, The King, who was clearly impressed, proclaimed “You are now my favourite Scout”. This declaration is not just a personal accolade for George but a shining endorsement of the values and accomplishments of Scouting.

George was thrilled with this recognition: “I feel very proud to be the first to achieve this prestigious award and honoured to represent Scouting at such a significant event and to meet the King and Queen.”

The Support Behind the Success

The achievements of young Scouts like George are a testament to the dedication of the adult volunteers who make such achievements possible. The group, led by a committed team including Lucy Stewart, Mark Allan, Laura Szpruch, Paul Brennan, and Group Lead Volunteer Alison Hill, provides a robust programme that encourages children to excel. Activities have included everything from indoor sleepovers and visits to fire stations to hikes, picnics, and magic tricks. These activities are meticulously planned to impart essential Skills for Life, ensuring that young Scouts are well-prepared for future challenges.

Lucy Stewart, George’s Beaver Team Leader, commented: “George’s dedication and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring. He has shown what can be achieved with determination and a passion for learning. We are all incredibly proud of him and his achievements.”

Martin Elliot, Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland Scouts, praised George’s accomplishments: “I was thrilled to present a Commendation Award to George Beattie. This is an incredible achievement, and it was clear the positive effect that Scouting has had on him.”

Looking Forward

Now a Cub Scout, George has set his sights on earning all Cub badges, continuing his journey of growth and learning within the Scouts. His story serves as an inspiration to young Scouts everywhere, highlighting the rewards of dedication, hard work, and community involvement. George’s ambition reflects the core mission of the Scouts: to provide young people with the Skills for Life they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Interested in getting a hillwalking permit?

Interested in getting a hillwalking permit?

Picture of Richard McLeod

Richard McLeod

Scotland Region Assessor - Hillwalking

Anyone who wants to get a hillwalking permit for taking young people into the hills will require an assessment by a Scout Association appointed hillwalking assessor. Generally, this would be an assessor in your region but if none is available, assessors from other Regions can be approached.

To apply for a permit, you either need to have the relevant  Mounting Training qualifications or you need to be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of experience and skill. In addition, you will need to demonstrate knowledge of the activity POR Rules and how they affect the activity within Scouting. 

If you do not currently have the required level of experience to hold a permit but are interested in developing your own skills, you would be welcome to attend an “Assessment Training” weekend. However, you would need to:

  • have appropriate personal kit including walking boots, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, suitable clothing (see the layering system), sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc.
  • have a suitable rucksack for carrying your personal kit and lightweight camping equipment for one night on the hill. (Camping and cooking equipment can be provided on request.)
  • be able to walk over rough terrain not following paths, and on steep ground and be out for a full day (up to 5 hours travel time with appropriate rests and lunch break, bringing it up to a 7-hour day or more)
  • be prepared to undertake some navigation exercise during the hours of darkness to simulate low visibility conditions.

While the above list may feel a little bit daunting, if you are reasonably fit and want to learn new skills, the weekends are very enjoyable. While we will be travelling for several hours each day, the distance we travel tends to be low because of the time taken to do navigation exercises.

The South East Scotland Scouts team of assessors run two weekends each year, one in April and one around the end of September. The weekend allows us to cover the full syllabus, including the lightweight camping aspects. Our next assessment and assessment training weekends are:

  • 28 and 29 September 2024
  • 26 and 27 April 2025
  • 4 and 5 October 2025

If you are interested in attending an assessment / assessment training weekend, please get in touch by sending an email with the following information to the following address:  hillwalking@sesscouts.org.uk 

  • Name
  • Mobile phone number
  • Permit type you are looking for: T1 Summer or T2 Summer
  • What you are attending for: Assessment or Assessment Training
  • For assessment, you will also need to provide an application form and your walking log.
  • For Assessment training, you do not need to send us any forms, but an outline of your hillwalking experience would be helpful, including a walking log if you have one.
  • Emergency contact details, including name and mobile phone number.
  • Any medical issues that we need to know about, for example asthma, allergies, etc.

If you simply have questions or would like to find out more, please feel free to also contact us through the hillwalking email address.

I look forward to seeing you on the hill.

Learning update – June 2024

Learning update – June 2024

Picture of Mike Treanor

Mike Treanor

Volunteer Development Lead

Validation of Completed Modules: Action Required by 30 September

As we approach the launch of the new Digital System it is vital that all members who have completed training that, where required, this is validated by the 30th September 2024 to ensure this training is carried over to the new system. If your training is not validated before the transition to the new system you will need to repeat the learning.

Getting Started

As we move towards transformation it is important that Getting Started for any new roles you may hold is completed. Only fully validated Getting Started modules will be transferred across from Compass to the new membership system. If you are unsure what you require to do to complete Getting Started either check your Compass record or speak to your Training Advisor, Line Manager or ADC(AT).

 

Modules 5-19
For leaders who have completed learning for section leader training (modules 5 to 19) it is also important that you work towards validating these modules prior to transformation

To have your modules (5-19) validated either

  1. Speak to your Training Advisor, Line Manager or ADC(AT) or
  2. Complete and submit the online validation forms available via this link

Getting Started Modules

All Volunteers

Module 01 - Essential Information *

You’ll learn about our history and the fundamentals of Scouts, get an overview of how we keep people safe, and how we make sure everyone is welcome.

You’ll also learn about our training scheme, our structure and the support available to you.

Find out more 

SFTY - Safety*

You’ll learn about your responsibilities for keeping young people and adults safe, what to do in an emergency and how to report incidents.

Doing things safely is fundamental to everything we do in Scouting. The Safety training ensures that you understand your responsibilities for keeping everyone in Scouts safe and how to assess and manage risk.

Find out more

SAFE - Safeguarding*

You’ll learn how to keep young people and adults at risk safe, how to recognise abuse and how to report a concern.

You’ll also learn about our Safeguarding Policy and our Code of Practice, known as the Yellow Card.

Find out more

GDPR - General Data Protection Regulations*

You’ll learn how the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) applies to your role, how to treat Personal Data and what are the Individuals’ rights.

You’ll also learn about requesting consent, and the measures taken locally to make sure we’re aligned with GDPR.

Find out more

Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Section Assistants

Module 02 - Personal Learning Plan (Not for Section Assistants)

Every learning journey is different. Meet with your Training Adviser to create a Personal Learning Plan that takes into account the requirements for your volunteer role and your individual learning needs.

Find out more

Module 03 - Tools for the Role - Section Leaders

You’ll learn about the roles in your section, and how we use activities and games at Scouts. 

You’ll also learn about Youth Shaped Scouting, and get some tips on promoting positive behaviour.

Find out more

Managers & Supporters (GSLs, DCs, ASU Managers, assistants and deputies of same)

Module 02 - Personal Learning Plan

Every learning journey is different. Meet with your Training Adviser to create a Personal Learning Plan that takes into account the requirements for your volunteer role and your individual learning needs.

Find out more

Module 04 - Tools for the Role (Managers and Supporters)

You’ll learn about your team’s roles and responsibilities, and how to deliver a quality programme.

You’ll also learn about the six areas of leadership and management, and get tips on time management and personal skills.

Find out more

Trustees (including office bearers)

Trustee Introduction*

The aim of this module is to provide the Charity or managing Trustees with information on their legal responsibilities and current regulations. You only need to complete this module if you have a role as a trustee.

Find out more

REQUIRED ACTION BY END AUGUST 2024: If you have completed the modules marked with *, but not had them validated, please send the Certificate generated at the end of the module to your Training Adviser or Line Manager and ask them to validate the training on Compass.

If you have completed either version of Tools for the Role, please send the certificate to your Training Adviser and discuss with them what you will do / have done to meet the validation requirements.

The Personal Learning Plan for Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Managers and Supporters can be done in discussion with a Training Adviser – reach out to them to arrange a meeting to discuss.

Training Beyond Getting Started – Wood Badge Requirements

This comprises Modules 5,7,8,9,11,12a,12b,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 plus any other additional modules you have completed.

Module 05 - Fundamentals of Scouting

You’ll learn about the Scouts principles and values.

You’ll also learn about our Religious Policy, and how we encourage spiritual development at Scouts.

Find out more

Module 07 - Scouting for All

You’ll learn about inclusion, and how to make Scouts more inclusive for all. 

You’ll also learn about equality, diversity and inclusion (the legal bits), inclusive language, and where to find further information.

Find out more

Module 08 - Skills of Leadership

You’ll learn about models, tools and techniques for effective leadership, and leadership styles.

Find out more

Module 09 - Working with Adults

You’ll learn about effective communication, listening skills, decision-making structures and representing others.

Find out more

Module 11 - Administration

You’ll learn best practice on how to manage administrative tasks at Scouts, and what your responsibilities are towards Data Protection Act/GDPR, record keeping, finances and insurance requirements.

Find out more

Module 12A - Delivering a Quality Programme

You’ll learn about how we deliver quality Scouting to young people, and the key elements of the programme for each section.

You’ll also learn about our badges and awards for young people, our Young Leader’s Scheme, and how we promote Youth shaped Scouting.

Find out more

Module 12B - Programme Planning

You’ll learn how to plan and review the programme for your section.  

You’ll also learn a variety of methods to generate programme ideas. 

Find out more

Module 13 - Growing the Section

You’ll learn about recruitment and retention of young people and adults.

You’ll also learn about the tools and support available to you to help develop the sections.

Find out more

Module 14 - Supporting Young People

You’ll learn about the characteristics and development of young people, and how to create a supportive environment for them.

You’ll also learn about external influences on young people, and how to respond to issues that affect them.

Find out more

Module 15 - Promoting Positive Behaviour

You’ll learn how to define and respond to challenging behaviour.

You’ll also learn principles and strategies to plan for positive behaviour, and where to find additional support.

Find out more

Module 16 - An Introduction to Residential Experiences

You’ll learn how to plan, organise and administrate residential experiences, and what skills your team should have to run them.

You’ll also learn about the Nights Away Permit Scheme, and how residential experiences help develop young people.

Find out more

Module 17 - Running Safe Activities

You’ll learn how to plan and run exciting, safe and developmental activities for young people in your section. 

You’ll also learn about a balanced activity programme, risk assessments, the role of leader in charge and about permits. 

Find out more

Module 18 - Practical Skills

You’ll learn practical skills for your role, and how to share them with young people.

Find out more

Module 19 - International

You’ll learn about world Scouting and international Scout events.

You’ll also learn about the benefits of international activities to young people, and how to include international aspects in your programme.

Find out more

REQUIRED ACTION BY 30 SEPTEMBER : If you have completed these modules, but not had them validated, please engage your Training Adviser or Line Manager and work with them to have your training validated and ask them to update Compass.

Alternatively, for Modules 5,7,8,9,11,12a,12b,13,14,15,16,17, 18 and 19, you can go into this online portal and submit your validation evidence, and a member of the Regional Team will review this and confirm validation.

Mandatory Ongoing Learning

There is a requirement to complete the Safety, Safeguarding and First Aid Modules (for some roles) within the first five months of joining as a volunteer and then every three years.  Please check Compass to see when your mandatory learning expires and, if necessary, renew any that have expired or will expire soon. For Safety and Safeguarding simply work through the online learning then send the certificate to your Training Adviser or Line Manager and ask them to validate the training on Compass.

Learning update – June 2024

Learning update May 2024

We have arranged more SES Training Modules that adult volunteers can sign up for between now and the end of June. All of these courses can be accessed via this link. Please encourage your teams to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their learning and skills.

  • Module 5 Fundamentals of Scouting – Tuesday 21st May @7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 7 Scouting for All – Thursday 23rd May @ 7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 12A & 12B Quality Programmes and Programme Planning – Sunday 26th May @ 12.30pm to 4.30pm Bonnyrigg Scout Hall
  • Module 11 Administration – Tuesday 28th May @ 7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 13 Growing the Section – Wednesday 29th May @ 7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 16 Introduction to Residential Experiences – Sunday 2nd June @ 10am to 12.30pm 10th Craigalmond Scout Hall
  • Module 17 Running Safe Activities – Sunday 2nd June @ 1.30pm to 4.00pm 10th Craigalmond Scout Hall
  • Module 14 Supporting Young People – Tuesday 4th June @ 7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 19 International – Tuesday 18th June @7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 15 Promoting Positive Behaviour – Thursday 20th June @ 7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom

 

  • First Response 10B – Tuesday 14th May @ 7.30pm Haywards Scouts Centre Galashiels
  • First Response 10B – Thursday 23rd May @ 7.30pm Haywards Scouts Centre Galashiels
  • First Response 10B – Tuesday 4th June @ 7.30pm Haywards Scouts Centre Galashiels
  • First Response 10B – Thursday 6th June @ 7.30pm Haywards Scouts Centre Galashiels
  • First Response 10a & 10b – Sunday 9th June @ 9.30am Pentland Scout Hall
  • First Response 10B – Tuesday 11th June @ 7.30pm Haywards Scouts Centre Galashiels
  • First Response 10a & 10b – Sunday 16th June @ 9.30am North Berwick Scout Hall